Specialization Tracks

A track should comprise of a minimum of 4 technical electives (12-18 credits) with an underlying connection to a specific area of materials science and engineering. No more than one 200-level course will be approved for a track. Students are strongly encouraged to select 300 level or higher courses for their track. For BS/MS students, graduate courses maybe included in a track, but any such courses cannot count towards graduate course requirements.

With the rapid expansion of the technical and scientific knowledge in the field of materials science, we believe that organizing technical electives into thematic tracks will benefit you, the student. Combined with relevant co-op experiences and senior design, the tracks can provide strong evidence of specialization which will benefit you in your future job searches.

Please note that the term schedule listed for the courses are subject to change depending on class enrollment and faculty availability. All track forms must to be approved by Dr. Christopher Weyant and a copy given to Sarit Kunz, Academic Program Coordinator.

Advanced Materials Design and Processing

The role of the materials engineer in the design and processing of today's highly sophisticated products is varied, complex, exciting and ever changing. The selection of material and its processing, product design, cost, environmental impact, performance and service have become inseparable. New, advanced materials development is the enabling factor in major parts of the economy. Innovation, short time to market, and concurrent engineering are the keys to successful design and manufacturing activities. This track contains fundamental courses on the properties and processing of engineering materials and specialization courses that span several disciplines including business, mechanical engineering and engineering management. The goal of this track is to prepare leaders in design and manufacturing that will be technically competent and aware of business/management principles.

Relevant Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credits

MATE 565

Crystal Mechanics I (Not Offered Every Year)

3

MATE 566

Crystal Mechanics II (Not Offered Every Year)

3

MATE 543

Thermal Spray (Not Offered Every Year)

3

MATE 610

Mechanical Behavior of Solids

3

MEM 201

Fundamentals of CAD

3

MEM 220

Basic Fluid Mechanics

4

MEM 230

Mechanics of Materials I

4

MEM 255

Introduction to Controls

4

MEM 320

Fluid Dynamics I

3

MEM 330

Mechanics of Materials II

4

MEM 331

Experimental Mechanics I

2

MEM 345

Heat Transfer

4

MEM 361

Engineering Reliability

3

MEM 427

Finite Element Methods

3

MEM 435

Intro. to Computer-Aided Design/Manufacturing

4

MEM 437

Manufacturing Processes I

3

MEM 462

Introduction to Engineering Management

3

CHE 303

Process Heat Transfer

3

CHE 451

Safety Engineering

3

ECEP 354

Energy Management Principles

4

CIVE 240

Engineering Economic Analysis

3

INTB 332

Multinational Corporations

4

OPM 300

Operations Management (Check prerequisites)

4

OPM 321

Planning and Control of Operations

4

MGMT 260

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

4

MGMT 364

Technology Management

4

Also, for B.S./M.S. Students Only (On-Line Courses)

EGMT 501

Engineering Management I

3

EGMT 502

Engineering Management II

3

EGMT 531

Economics Engineering Management

3

EGMT 605

R&D Management I

3

EGMT 607

Marketing for Engineers

3

EGMT 652

Engineering Law

3

Biomaterials

Biomaterials are the enabling materials for medical devices and a broad range of health care products. The goal of studying biomaterials is to understand how the body's natural tissues are organized on a compositional, structural, and properties basis; to understand how the body deals with foreign objects placed in its realm; and to understand how implanted materials have been successful in achieving the ultimate goal of treating debilitating diseases. Building upon a strong background in materials science and engineering in general, and a specific knowledge in applying the fundamentals of materials science and engineering to the design and manufacturing of medical products, this track will prepare engineers for a career in the medical industry, for graduate studies in biomedical engineering or related fields; engineers who will be technically competent and aware of business/management principles.

Relevant Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credits

MATE 580

Biological Materials, Biomaterials & Biomimetics

2

MATE 702

Natural Polymers (Offered every other year)

3

MEM 201

Fundamentals of CAD

3

MEM 435

Introduction to Computer-Aided Design/Mfg.

4

MEM 684

Mechanics of Bio-Tissues

3

MEM 685

Mechanics of Human Joints

3

BMES 301

Lab I: Experimental Biomechanics

2

BMES 401

Biosensors I

4

BMES 402

Biosensors II

4

BMES 441

Biomechanics I

4

BMES 442

Biomechanics II

4

BMES 443

Biomechanics III

4

BMES 461

Biomaterials I

4

BMES 471

Tissue Engineering I

4

BMES 472

Tissue Engineering II

4

BMES 475

Tissue Engineering III

4

BMES 501

Medical Science I - Cellular and Tissue Biology

3

BMES 502

Medical Science II - Organ Level Physiology

3

CIVE 240

Engineering Economic Analysis

3

INTB 332

Multinational Corporations

4

OPM 300

Operations Management (Check prerequisites)

4

OPM 321

Planning and Control of Operations

4

MGMT 260

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

4

MGMT 364

Technology Management

4

Also, for B.S./M.S. Students Only (On-Line Courses)

EGMT 501

Engineering Management I

3

EGMT 502

Engineering Management II

3

EGMT 531

Economics Engineering Management

3

EGMT 605

R&D Management I

3

EGMT 607

Marketing for Engineers

3

EGMT 652

Engineering Law

3

Electronic and Photonic Materials

The list of materials for electronics and photonics applications transcends diverse materials classes of ceramics, metals and polymers. For example, we live in an age in which electronic and/or photonic devices can be made mostly or even completely from polymeric films. New technologies in electronics and photonics will rely increasingly on understanding how inorganic and organic materials are interfaced and integrated. Graduating materials scientists and materials engineers will need a broader perspective on the possibilities of materials: for example, photonic functions based on hierarchal organization from Nature may provide low-cost, environmentally friendly solutions to a range of sensing and energy harvesting needs. Also, how might inorganic nanostructures produced by bottom-up synthesis methods bring electronics and photonics to new materials platforms?

This interdisciplinary materials science and engineering track is designed to prepare MSE majors for careers in the electronics or photonics industry, for graduate research programs in electronic and/or photonic materials in electrical engineering, materials science, physics, chemistry and other disciplines. The track, though academically demanding, includes coursework and practical training involving instrumentation for devices and materials analysis; a broad physical science and engineering background is also excellent preparation for medical or law school. The track provides a strong foundation for nanoscience and nanotechnology as it relates specifically to the properties of electronic and photonic materials. It has been conceived to help prepare MSE students for what they will need to compete successfully for and excel in choice Co-op positions in companies such as Micron, Intel, IBM and others, small companies, and national laboratories.

The Track combines new lecture courses in Materials, selected courses in electrical and computer engineering, physics and mechanical engineering, and can include an undergraduate research laboratory experience with a selected faculty member.

Relevant Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credits

MATE 512

Solid State Materials (Required) OR

3

PHYS 452

Solid State Physics (Required)

3

ECEE 302

Electronic Devices (Required)

4

ECEE 304

Electromagnetic Fields & Waves

4

ECEE 451

Electroacoustics

3

ECEE 352

Analog Electronics (Required) OR

4

MEM 417

Introduction to Microfabrication (Required)

3

PHYS 311

Classical Mechanics I

4

PHYS 451

Quantum Structure of Materials

4

EET 204

Intro to Nanotechnology (BCC Only)

3

Nanoscale Materials and Nanotechnology

Students that have selected this track will learn how to develop knowledge and techniques to work at the molecular level to create new materials, structures and devices with fundamentally new properties and functions. Nanotechnology literally means any technology done on a nanometer scale - in other words, manipulating individual atoms or molecules to build both materials and devices that are only as big as a handful of atoms. Nanotechnology will produce smart materials having a variety of properties and functions, a new generation of medical devices and drug delivery systems, the atomic-scale chips and memory of next-generation computers thousands of times more powerful than those that run on silicon technology, as well as solve many of the energy and environmental problems that our civilization is facing. Nanoscale particles and devices have already infiltrated industry and are quickly penetrating into our life. It is hard to think of an industry that isn't likely to be disrupted by nanotechnology within the next decade. Graduating materials scientists and materials engineers will need a broader perspective on the materials use at the nanoscale.

This interdisciplinary materials science and engineering track provides a strong foundation for nanoscience and nanotechnology and is designed to prepare MSE majors for future interdisciplinary careers, for graduate research programs in materials science, nanotechnology, bioengineering and other disciplines. The track includes coursework and practical training involving characterization instruments (microscopes and spectrometers) for materials imaging, manipulation and analysis at the nanoscale. This track provides a broad chemical and physical science and engineering background, which is also excellent preparation for medical or law school. It has been conceived to help prepare MSE students for what they will need to compete successfully for and excel in choice of Co-op positions at national laboratories and in companies such as DuPont, IBM, HP, Merck, GSK and others.

The Track combines lecture and courses in materials, selected courses in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry and mechanical engineering, and can include an undergraduate research laboratory experience with a selected faculty member.

Relevant Courses

Course #

Course Title

Credits

MATE 512

Solid State Materials

?

MATE 585

Carbon Nanomaterials

3

ECEE 302

Electronic Devices (Required)

4

PHYS 281

Physics III

3

PHYS 282

Physics IIIA

2

PHYS 311

Classical Mechanics I (Required)

4

PHYS 451

Quantum Structure of Materials

4

PHYS 452

Solid State Physics (Required)

3

PHYS 453

Nanoscience

3

CHE 360

BioProcess Principles

3

CHE 452

Polymer Process Technology

3

CHEM 364

Spectroscopic Analysis

3

EET 204

Introduction to Nanotechnology

3

MEM 417

Introduction to Microfabrication

3

MEM 419

Microfluidics and Lab-on-a-Chip

3

MGMT 260

Introduction to Entrepreneurship

4

MGMT 364

Technology Management

4

ENVS 260

Environmental Science & Society I

3

ENVS 321

Environmental Health

3

BMES 401

Biosensors I

4

BMES 402

Biosensors II

4

Soft Materials and Polymers

Soft matter refers to (organic) materials having complex structural and dynamic properties intermediate between those of crystals and fluids. Materials belonging to this category are polymers, liquid crystals, colloids, gels and foams. Biomacromolecules such as polypeptides and DNA also belong to this category. Due to the relatively weak inter-molecular interaction, thermal fluctuations, external fields and boundary effects strongly influence the structure and properties of soft matter.

This interdisciplinary materials science and engineering track is designed to prepare MSE majors for careers in soft materials related industry such as polymers, cosmetics, liquid crystal devices and displays, biomaterials as well as for graduate research programs such as materials science, bioengineering, chemical engineering, electric engineering, physics and chemistry. While all the soft materials will be covered during the course of the study, the track will be focusing on polymeric materials. It has been conceived to help prepare MSE students for what they will need to compete successfully for and excel in choice Co-op positions in companies such as DuPont, Arkema, Rohm and Haas, Merck etc.

The Track combines new lecture courses in Materials, selected courses in chemical engineering, chemistry and mechanical engineering, and can include an undergraduate research laboratory experience with a selected faculty member.

Faculty Advisors

More Information

When should I choose my track?

Technical electives can be taken during the junior and mostly during the senior year. For planning reasons, better coordination with Senior Design, and to accommodate students with an out-of-cycle schedule (e.g. transfers), tracks need to be declared by the beginning of the pre-junior year. Students may change their track selection after consulting with their advisor. Please bring a copy of the track selection form with you when you meet with your advisor.

Where can I learn more about a professor's research?

Can I "jump" tracks?

In the same way that Drexel's co-op program is designed to help a student find his or her fit in industry, the MSE track program is designed to help a student find his or her concentration within the field of materials. Switching tracks is possible, but needs to be considered on a case-by-case basis. Permission for this must be obtained by an academic faculty advisor.

How do these changes affect BS/MS students?

B.S./M.S. students are encouraged to choose a track that fits in with their Master's research. The track program should have no effect on the courses required.

Some suggested courses have prerequisites!

Students should review prerequisite requirements and, where necessary, discuss waivers with the corresponding instructor.